The sun was just peeking over the trees as Integra dropped her backpack on the bed among the other items she had gathered. It had been a while since she had taken a day for herself and she needed it now more than ever. Walter had graciously helped her clear her schedule for the weekend and promised to not send anyone to keep an eye on her. The last thing she wanted was someone witnessing her turmoil. Her eighteenth birthday was tomorrow which meant she was going to be reviewed for the council to decide if she was fit to lead the organization. It would be a hunt with no Alucard or Walter. With a sigh she packs away the items then pulls the backpack on.
Alucard watches from the library window as his master disappears into the trees beyond the training field, "It's ridiculous."
Walter doesn't have to ask what the vampire was talking about as he turns a page in his book. The two of them had been preparing Integra for this day ever since she had released Alucard. Granted that didn't make either of them feel any better about the situation, "Even her father had to go through it."
Alucard scoffs and walks over to take a seat across from Walter, "You know as well I do that they'll be much harder on her purely because she's a woman."
Walter nods slightly, "I do, but I also know she's better than her father ever was. Have faith, Alucard."
The vampire sighs, "I don't lack faith in her abilities. She'll be going alone with only a handful of soldiers, if something goes wrong we won't be there to help her."
Walter closes his book and looks up at Alucard, "We can't always be her shield no matter how hard we try. She needs to do this not just to prove to them she's capable, but to prove to herself she has what it takes. You can't let your own feelings for her get in the way." He chuckles quietly at Alucard's look of indignation, "I'm not blind. I saw that kiss last Christmas and I know the two of you spend quite a bit of time in the den."
Alucard huffs and silence falls over the library save for the crackle of the fire.
Integra stares up at the stars through the gaps in the treetops. The hike into the mountain hadn't done much to settle her mind, but at least it had burned away some of the nervous energy. Sleep was still determined to elude her, though. The forest grows silent and she felt the presence of something dark closing in causing her to sigh.
"I should have known you wouldn't stay away. Well, stop lurking and get over here!"
Integra watches as a massive black wolf trots toward her camp. He always came as the wolf when he wasn't sure he'd be welcome or not. She can't help but smile slightly as she reaches up to brush her fingertips along his muzzle, "Let me see you."
Fur fades away to smooth alabaster skin beneath her fingers. She moves her hand to hold the back of his neck and pulls him down to brush her lips against his, "You can stay, but I don't want to talk about."
A faint nod is her only answer before her vampire settles behind her and wraps an arm around her. She laces her fingers with his and closes her eyes. She wasn't going to fail, she wasn't going to lose the organization, and more importantly she wasn't going to lose Alucard.